No one knows for sure how many children have suppressed immune systems. It is becoming more common as more children receive transplants and survive serious problems with their immune systems like HIV. Some children have temporary alterations in their immune system from medications and the immune system returns to normal when the medication is stopped.

Children have developmental delay when they do not attain the skills that typically developing children acquire at a certain age. Child development is a process that involves learning and mastering skills such as sitting, rolling over, walking, understanding, and talking. Typically developing children learn specific skills, called developmental milestones, during predictable time periods.

Physical activity is important to the health of children with type 2 diabetes, so outdoor play is part of their therapy. Children with type 1 diabetes should be able to play normally. Staff should take a portable pack with insulin, syringes, high-calorie supplements, and glucagon in case of emergency whenever the child is in a different location or on a field trip. A glucometer to check blood sugar should also be available.

Down syndrome is a relatively common birth defect caused by extra genetic material from chromosome 21 (ie, there are 3 copies of chromosome 21 rather than 2). This syndrome affects the physical and intellectual development of the child.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a collection of inherited conditions that cause the tissues that connect parts of the body (connective tissue) to be loose. This can cause loose joints, stretchy skin, and delayed healing of the skin. This collection of conditions was reclassified in 2017, so it is important to have information that is specific to the child.

Allergy is the term used to describe the body’s overreaction to something that it views as foreign or different from itself. The body reacts by releasing histamine and other substances that cause allergic symptoms.

Fragile X syndrome is an inherited form of intellectual disability that is primarily seen in males. It is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. Fragile X syndrome is caused by the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome.

Babies with GERD can choke; a bulb syringe should be available to help clear the airway if necessary. If the baby is coughing, nothing should be done because the cough is the most effective way to clear the airway. If the baby stops breathing or making any sound, CPR techniques for infants should be used. These maneuvers are covered in pediatric first aid with CPR courses such as the American Academy of Pediatrics course, Pediatric First Aid for Caregivers and Teachers.

Gastrostomy tubes are placed in children for many reasons, including prematurity, feeding problems, and brain disorders, and they have become more prevalent as lifesaving medical treatments for children have improved.

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of spinal fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), within the brain. Hydrocephalus can be caused by a structural defect in the brain or spine that blocks CSF and causes it to accumulate. Sometimes a brain injury, especially one that causes bleeding, can interfere with the flow of CSF and cause it to build up and increase pressure. Sometimes, the brain can shrink because of brain damage and the CSF fills in the extra space. That condition does not cause pressure on the brain and does not require special treatment.

Nephrotic syndrome can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 18 months and 8 years. Boys are affected more often than girls. A child may come to the child care or school with the diagnosis or may develop it while enrolled.

Mitochondrial disorders are a diverse group of diseases caused by damage to small structures found in human cells that are essential in converting food to energy. The result is decreased energy production and associated symptoms.

There are many types of neurocutaneous syndromes (syndromes that include skin findings). The most common is neurofibromatosis (NF). There are 7 types of NF. Although they are all different, they all have skin and neurologic findings. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common type, and, while it is inherited, half of the cases are new mutations.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic condition that affects the brain and causes newborns and young infants to be weak and slow to gain weight but shifts to causing excessive hunger and weight gain in toddlers. It affects boys and girls equally.

Febrile seizures are described as generalized (whole brain and body involved), tonic-clonic (shaking) movements of a child’s body in response to a high fever. These seizures represent abnormal brain electrical activity triggered by fever.

More than 100 specific conditions have been identified that can cause short stature. Achondroplasia occurs in people of all races and with equal frequency in males and females, and it affects about 1 in every 26,000 children. An estimated 10,000 individuals in the United States have achondroplasia.

A vesicostomy is a surgical opening in the bladder to the outside of the body (lower belly) that allows urine to come out, preventing urinary tract infection and damage to the kidneys. Urine drains constantly from this opening. The child will need to wear a diaper, training pants (Pull-Ups), or an incontinence pad. A vesicostomy is sometimes a temporary treatment.

Students With Chronic Health Conditions: Guidance for Families, Schools, and Students

School is more than a place to gain knowledge and skills. It also is a place where children meet new friends and learn about themselves and other important life lessons. Because children spend many hours in school, it is important that it be a safe and supportive environment for all children.